OU notebook: Corey Wilson inspires with pregame walk to midfield

The loudest ovation of pregame festivities came when Corey Wilson was able to walk to midfield with the assistance of a walker.

OU's Corey Wilson, left, walks on Owen Field as his brother Travis Wilson applauds before the Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

"I almost teared up, seeing that," said senior offensive lineman Brian Simmons. "To see him stand up and overcome, that made my day."

Wilson, a sophomore receiver, was paralyzed in a car accident in late February after colliding with a pickup truck on I-35 near Pauls Valley. After walking to midfield from a line of seniors in front of the logo, Wilson was taken to the sidelines in his wheelchair.

"He's a receiver, he came in with me and we have a really special connection," said sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles. "It's a big deal, and for the guys that are a part of this family, we all know the steps he's been taking."

O-line shakeup

Left tackle Trent Williams missed Saturday's game with a concussion, forcing Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to reshuffle his offensive line.

Cory Brandon, who usually starts at right tackle, moved to left tackle. Tight end Eric Mensik donned his No. 69 jersey, which was nameless last week but featured his name on Saturday, and started at right tackle.

"I've got to admit, I was doing my darndest to stay positive, but it was tough," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. "I can't lie about it, but I did, and somehow found a way and tried to spread it to the players."

As planned, junior Brian Lepak started at center, senior Brian Simmons started at left guard and freshman Stephen Good started at right guard.

The offensive line's numbers have grown thin enough that redshirt freshman defensive tackle Stacy McGee had practiced at offensive line, in case the Sooners lost yet another lineman to injury.

Bradford tribute after senior festivities

Junior quarterback Sam Bradford was not honored on Senior Day, as planned, but did speak to fans in a recorded statement on the stadium video board.

Here's the text of his statement:

"Although I am not a senior, this will be my final game at Owen Field. It has always been a dream of mine to play football at the University of Oklahoma and all of you have been a part of making this dream come true. I want to thank all of you for your support throughout my career. I want to thank my coaches, teammates and family for everything they have done for me. It has been an honor and privilege to play for OU. Boomer Sooner!"